Black Dyke
Conductor: Dr. Nicholas Childs
4BR Ranking: 2
Principal Players:
Principal Cornet: Richard Marshall
Principal Euphonium: Gary Curtin
Soprano: Paul Duffy
Solo Trombone: Brett Baker
Solo Horn: Sheona White
Flugel: Zoe Hancock
Baritone: Gareth Brindle
Eb Tuba: Joseph Cook
Bb Tuba: Matt Routley
Appearances: 108th time
Debut: 1856
Open Record:
29 Wins: 1862, 1863, 1871, 1879, 1880, 1881, 1891, 1895, 1896, 1899, 1902, 1904, 1908, 1914, 1935, 1957, 1968, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1976, 1977, 1983, 1985, 1986, 1992, 1995, 2005, 2006
23 Seconds: 1877, 1887, 1888, 1900, 1903, 1905, 1907, 1909, 1917, 1922, 1934, 1938, 1971, 1978, 1984, 1988, 1993, 1994, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2007, 2009
12 Thirds: 1868, 1873, 1884, 1894, 1916, 1937, 1953, 1958, 1963, 2002, 2003, 2010
8 Fourths: 1890, 1912, 1919, 1921, 1936, 1970, 1979, 1989
5 Fifths: 1864, 1920, 1936, 1952, 1966
4 Sixths: 1947, 1962, 2004, 2008
25 times unplaced:
1 Disqualification: 1865
Last 15 Years:
Conductor and draw
2010: 3rd (Nicholas Childs) (13)
2009: 2nd (Nicholas Childs) (16)
2008: 6th (Nicholas Childs) (1)
2007: 2nd (Nicholas Childs) (15)
2006: Winners (Nicholas Childs) (11)
2005: Winners (Nicholas Childs) (13)
2004: 6th (Nicholas Childs) (6)
2003: 3rd (Nicholas Childs) (11)
2002: 3rd (Nicholas Childs) (3)
2001: 2nd (Nicholas Childs) (14)
2000: 2nd (Nicholas Childs) (15)
1999: 2nd (James Watson) (22)
1998: 8th (James Watson) (7)
1997: DNC
1996: 14th (James Watson) (1)
Open Record:
A record like no other band in the world. This will be the Queensbury band’s 108th appearance boasting a record of 29 wins, 23 runners up and 12 third places – although you do have to go back to 2006 for their last success.
Missed the historic hat trick in 2007 by the narrowest of margins. Nicholas Childs conducts the band for the 12th time this year – and has never yet failed to gain at least a top six finish.
2011 Form:
Regionals: 5th (Yorkshire)
English Nationals: Winners
Player to listen out for:
Gary Curtin on euphonium has now firmly settled into one of the hottest chairs in the brass banding world – and is making it his own.
Brighouse & Rastrick
Conductor: Professor David King
4BR Ranking: 6
Principal Players:
Principal Cornet: Stuart Lingard
Principal Euphonium: David Thornton
Soprano: Robert Westacott
Solo Trombone: Chris Gomersall
Solo Horn: William Rushworth
Flugel: Lucy Murphy
Baritone: Ciaran Young
Eb Tuba: Mick Morris
Bb Tuba: Simon Gresswell
Appearances: 71st time
Debut: 1890
Open Record:
6 Wins: 1929, 1932, 1933, 1934, 1936, 1978
3 Seconds: 1965, 1977, 1983
5 Thirds: 1939, 1940, 1973, 1976, 1998
7 Fourths: 1942, 1943, 1961, 1964, 1984, 1999, 2002
5 Fifths: 1960, 1971, 1987, 2003, 2009
5 Sixths: 1938,1944, 1959, 1986, 1995
39 times unplaced:
Last 15 Years:
Conductor and draw
2010: 10th (David King) (2)
2009: 5th (David King) (8)
2008: 8th (Alan Morrison) (16)
2007: 11th (Alan Morrison) (7)
2006: 12th (Ian McElligott) (16)
2005: 7th (James Gourlay) (6)
2004: 11th (James Gourlay) (5)
2003: 5th (Major Ian McElligott) (17)
2002: 4th (Major Ian McElligott) (12)
2001: 8th (Allan Withington) (8)
2000: 12th (Allan Withington) (8)
1999: 4th (Allan Withington) (14)
1998: 3rd (Allan Withington) (15)
1997: 10th (Allan Withington) (4)
1996: 20th (Allan Withington) (18)
Open Record:
It is now over thirty years since Brighouse last took home the British Open title to West Riding. That performance of ‘Benvenuto Cellini’ still remains fresh in the minds of supporters though – especially as it denied Black Dyke a double hat trick.
Symphony Hall hasn’t been the happiest of hunting grounds to date, not helped by their earliest draw slot for over two decades last year. This is David King’s third attempt with the band as they seek a first podium finish since 1998.
2011 Form:
Regionals: Winners (Yorkshire)
Whit Friday: Winners in Saddleworth
English National: 3rd
Player to listen out for:
Lucy Murphy – The flugel player has been a star performer with Brighouse ever since she joined the ranks. Outstanding at the English Nationals at Preston.
Carlton Main Frickley Colliery
Conductor: Philip McCann
4BR Ranking: 13
Principal Players:
Principal Cornet: Kirsty Abbotts
Principal Euphonium: Toni Howden
Soprano: Gary Bates
Solo Horn: Leah Williams
Flugel: Anna Spedding
Solo Trombone: Becky Lundberg
Baritone: Heather Law
Eb Tuba: Paul Davies
Bb Tuba: Ray Sykes MBE
Appearances: 64th time
Debut: 1921
Open Record:
2 Wins: 1922, 1958
5 Seconds: 1941, 1957, 1959, 1969, 1972
3 Thirds: 1948, 1950, 1956
3 Fourths: 1928, 1944, 1963
2 Fifths: 1927, 1946
2 Sixths: 1923, 2006
46 times unplaced:
Last 15 Years:
Conductor and draw
2010: 8th (Philip McCann) (11)
2009: 16th (Russell Gray) (9)
2008: 7th (Russell Gray (12)
2007: 12th (Russell Gray) (11)
2006: 6th (Russell Gray) (19)
2005: DNC
2004: 18th (Brian Grant) (7)
2003: Winners of Grand Shield (W. Rushworth) (prom): 18th (W. Rushworth) (14)
2002: 19th (William Rushworth) (17) (rel)
2001: 17th (John Hinckley) (6)
2000: 9th (John Hinckley) (21)
1999: Winners of Grand Shield (J. Hinckley) (prom): 14th (John Hinckley) (11)
1993-1998: DNC
Open Record:
A bit of an up and down existence at the Open since their return in 2003, (they didn’t compete in 2005). It is now 40 years since the band filled one of the top three podium places and over 50 since their last win.
Those two wins can’t be erased from the record books though as Philip McCann returns this year with a band looking to secure a top six place for the first time since 2006.
2011 Form:
Regionals: 3rd (Yorkshire)
Player to listen out for:
Kirsty Abbotts on principal cornet continues to be a beacon of absolute class.
Co-operative Funeralcare
Conductor: Michael Fowles
4BR Ranking: 14
Principal Players:
Principal Cornet: Chris Bradley
Principal Euphonium: Allison Bonner
Soprano: Caroline Tennant
Solo Trombone: Paul Kiernan
Solo Horn: Alison Halls
Flugel: Caroline Farren
Baritone: Anne Crookston
Eb Tuba: Willie Young
Bb Tuba: Kenny Brown
Appearances: 24th time
Debut: 1956
Open Record:
3 Thirds: 1993, 1997, 2004
1 Fourth: 2006
19 times unplaced:
Last 15 Years:
Conductor and draw
2010: 11th (Michael Fowles) (16)
2009: 8th (Michael Fowles) (12)
2008: 11th (Andrew Duncan) (9)
2007: 14th (Allan Ramsay) (5)
2006: 4th (Allan Ramsay) (15)
2005: 10th (Frank Renton) (15)
2004: 3rd (Ian McElligott) (13)
2003: 2nd at Grand Shield (Nicholas Childs) (prom): 13th (James Scott) (12)
2002: 16th (John Hinckley) (4) (rel)
2001: 12th (James Gourlay) (4)
2000: 11th (Kazuyoshi Uemura) (16)
1999: 9th (Howard Snell) (9)
1998: 12th (Howard Snell) (20)
1997: 3rd (Howard Snell) (5)
1996: 8th (Howard Snell) (15)
Open Record:
The then Scottish Co-op (they have played here under five different names) returned to the Open in 2003 and have secured the one podium finish since in 2004.
There has been many a top class name associated with their Open efforts over the years, but also some less well known ones too – including one Kazuyoshi Uemura in 2000. Michael Fowles takes the reins for a third time looking to steer his band towards a first top six finish since 2006.
2011 Form:
Regionals: 2nd (Scotland)
West Lothian: Winners
Player to listen out for:
Caroline Tennant – The diminutive soprano player adds a touch of musical élan to a big blowing band
Cory Band
Conductor: Dr. Robert Childs
4BR Ranking: 1
Principal Players:
Principal Cornet: Tom Hutchinson
Principal Euphonium: David Childs
Soprano: Bert Van Thienen
Solo Trombone: Chris Thomas
Solo Horn: Owen Farr
Flugel: Joanne Childs
Baritone: Susan Thomas
Eb Tuba: Simon Howell
Bb Tuba: Fraser Bish
Appearances: 49th time
Debut: 1922
Open Record:
4 Wins: 2000, 2002, 2007, 2009
4 Seconds: 1950, 2004, 2005, 2006
3 Thirds: 1972, 2001, 2008
3 Fourths: 1951, 1975, 1976
2 Fifths: 1974, 2010
2 Sixths: 1999, 2003
30 times unplaced:
Last 15 Years:
Conductor and draw
2010: 5th (Robert Childs) (1)
2009: Winners (Robert Childs) (6)
2008: 3rd (Robert Childs) (11)
2007: Winners (Robert Childs) (16)
2006: 2nd (Robert Childs) (17)
2005: 2nd (Robert Childs) (16)
2004: 2nd (Robert Childs) (2)
2003: 6th (Robert Childs) (13)
2002: Winners (Robert Childs) (16)
2001: 3rd (Robert Childs) (20)
2000: Winners (Robert Childs) (22)
1999: 6th (Jeremy Wise) (10)
1998: 13th (Jeremy Wise) (19)
1997: 7th (Jeremy Wise) (16)
1996: 19th (Melvin White) (6)
Open Record:
It took Cory 78 years after their Open debut to register their first victory, but since their Millennium year triumph they have been the most consistent band at the contest, with four wins and five podium finishes.
Fifth place last year was secured off the dreaded number 1 draw. Robert Childs directs for the 12th time and has yet to fail to finish outside the top six with his band.
2011 Form:
Regionals: Winners (Wales)
European: 2nd
Player to listen out for:
Tom Hutchinson – The principal cornet player has grown with impressive maturity with each contest under his belt.
Desford Colliery
Conductor: Nigel Seaman
4BR Ranking: 20
Principal Players:
Principal Cornet: David Smith
Principal Euphonium: Brenden Wheeler
Soprano: Richard Evans
Solo Horn: Kate Eggleshaw
Flugel: Simon Platford
Solo Trombone: Thomas Berry
Baritone: Kate Williams
Eb Tuba: Julie Woods
Bb Tuba: Dean Morley
Appearances: 39th time
Debut: 1970
Open Record:
1 Second: 1979
2 Thirds: 1980, 2006
2 Fourths: 1982, 2007
2 Fifths: 1984, 1986
2 Sixths: 1983, 1987
29 Unplaced
Last 15 Years:
Conductor and draw
2010: 7th (Martin Winter) (7)
2009: 7th (James Gourlay) (1)
2008: 14th (Nigel Seaman) (3)
2007: 4th (Frans Violet) (10)
2006: 3rd (Nigel Seaman) (12)
2005: 16th (Peter Parkes) (1)
2004: 3rd at Grand Shield (Peter Parkes) (prom): 7th (Peter Parkes) (17)
2003: DNC
2002: DNC
2001: 19th (Peter Parkes) (12) (rel)
2000: 20th (Peter Parkes) (19)
1999: 13th (Roy Newsome) (3)
1998: 16th (Frank Renton) (2)
1997: 15th (Frank Renton) (6)
1996: 15th (Frank Renton) (16)
Open Record:
Although it seems inconceivable that Desford has never won the Open – especially during the early 1980's, they have come close and have put in some fine shows in recent years under a variety of conductors.
The draw hasn’t been too kind to them though – last year with the third year in a row that they picked out a single digit ball from the velvet bag.
2011 Form:
Regionals: 3rd (Midlands)
Butlins Mineworkers: 2nd
Player to listen out for:
Prize winning soprano Richard Evans is one of the best occasional army recruits back into civvy street you can think of.
Fairey (Geneva) Band
Conductor: Russell Gray
4BR Ranking: 5
Principal Players:
Principal Cornet: Iain Culross
Principal Euphonium: Matthew White
Soprano: Ben Richeton
Solo Trombone: Les Webb
Solo Horn: Julie Meechan
Flugel: Mike Eccles
Baritone: Katrina Marzella
Eb Tuba: Ben Thomson
Bb Tuba: Mark Evans
Appearances: 68th time
Debut: 1938
Open Record:
16 Wins: 1941, 1942, 1944, 1945, 1947, 1949, 1950, 1956, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1965, 1979, 1987, 1993, 1998
14 Seconds: 1943, 1946, 1948, 1953, 1960, 1967, 1975, 1982, 1986, 1988, 1991, 1995, 1997, 2010
5 Thirds: 1969, 1977, 1984, 1992, 1999
6 Fourths: 1959, 1971, 1996, 2000, 2003, 2005
2 Fifths: 1985, 2006
7 Sixths: 1951, 1957, 1970, 1978, 1990, 2001, 2002
17 times unplaced
Last 15 Years:
Conductor and draw
2010: 2nd (Russell Gray) (12)
2009: 12th (Philip Chalk) (7)
2008: 15th (Philip Chalk) (8)
2007: 7th (Philip Chalk) (12)
2006: 5th (Simon Stonehouse) (8)
2005: 4th (Simon Stonehouse) (9)
2004: 12th (Allan Withington (11)
2003: 4th (Allan Withington) (9)
2002: 6th (Allan Withington) (19)
2001: 6th (Howard Snell) (2)
2000: 4th (James Gourlay) (17)
1999: 3rd (James Gourlay) (12)
1998: Winners (James Gourlay) (16)
1997: 2nd (James Gourlay) (10)
1996: 4th (James Gourlay) (10)
Open Record:
Only Black Dyke can claim more victories at the British Open than Fairey, and the band from Stockport won at least once per decade from 1940 to the end of the 20th century.
They have yet to add to their 16 victories this Millennium, but Russell Gray came mighty close wit them last year as they posted their best result at the contest since their 1998 victory under James Gourlay.
2011 Form:
Regionals: 2nd (North West)
English Nationals: 4th
Whit Friday: Runner up in Tameside
European Championship: 6th
Player to listen out for:
The return of Katrina Marzella to the banding ranks for a contest is always an occasion to keep a keen ear on the baritone section.
Foden’s
Conductor: Allan Withington
4BR Ranking: 3
Principal Players:
Principal Cornet: Mark Wilkinson
Principal Euphonium: Glyn Williams
Soprano: Richard Poole
Solo Horn: Lesley Howie
Flugel: Helen Williams
Solo Trombone: John Barber
Baritone: Natsumi MacDonald
Eb Tuba: Stewart Baglin
Bb Tuba: Andy Warriner
Appearances: 72nd time
Debut: 1909
Open Record:
11 Wins: 1909, 1910, 1912, 1913, 1915, 1926, 1927, 1928, 1964, 2004, 2008
6 Seconds: 1911, 1916, 1952, 1987, 1998, 2002
7 Thirds: 1914, 1925, 1957, 1970, 1981, 1985, 2007
5 Fourths: 1958, 1965, 1986, 1991, 2010
8 Fifths: 1918, 1953, 1968, 1972, 1988, 1996, 1999, 2000
5 Sixths: 1917, 1984, 1994, 2005, 2009
29 times unplaced.
Last 15 Years:
Conductor and draw
2010: 4th (Howard Snell) (17)
2009: 6th (Garry Cutt) (5)
2008: Winners (Garry Cutt) (10)
2007: 3rd (Garry Cutt) (3)
2006: 13th (Garry Cutt) (9)
2005: 6th (Garry Cutt) (18)
2004: Winners (Garry Cutt) (12)
2003: 7th (Thomas Wyss) (3)
2002: 2nd (Bramwell Tovey) (8)
2001: 7th (Bramwell Tovey) (3)
2000: 5th (Bramwell Tovey) (9)
1999: 5th (Nicholas Childs) (4)
1998: 2nd (Nicholas Childs) (18)
1997: 9th (Nicholas Childs) (13)
1996: 5th (Phillip McCann) (3)
Open Record:
The 2008 champion is a band with an amazing pedigree at the contest – with 11 wins in total since their first way back in 1909.
Consistency has been the name of the game with just the 13th place of 2006 the only time they had been outside the top 10 since 1993. Allan Withington takes the band for the first time this year as he looks to break his British Open duck.
2011 Form:
Regionals: Winners (North West)
English Nationals: 2nd
Whit Friday: Tameside winners
Player to listen out for:
Richard Poole – an absolute star performer on the soprano.
Grimethorpe Colliery
Conductor: Garry Cutt
4BR Ranking: 7
Principal Players:
Principal Cornet: James Fountain
Principal Euphonium: Michael Dodd
Soprano: Kevin Crockford
Solo Trombone: Andreas Kratz
Solo Horn: Scot Bennett
Flugel: Andy Holmes
Baritone: Michael Wells
Eb Tuba: Ben Dixon
Bb Tuba: Phil Blake Convey
Appearances: 65th time
Debut: 1935
Open Record:
4 Wins: 1967, 1969, 1984, 1991
4 Seconds: 1945, 1963, 1973, 2008
11 Thirds: 1960, 1961, 1968, 1971, 1979, 1983, 1987, 1990, 1994, 2000, 2009
3 Fourths: 1972, 1998, 2001
7 Fifths: 1976, 1981, 1989, 1992, 1995, 1997, 2007
3 Sixths: 1946, 1980, 1985
32 Unplaced.
Last 15 Years:
Conductor and draw
2010: 9th (Allan Withington) (15)
2009: 3rd (Allan Withington) (3)
2008: 2nd (Allan Withington) (6)
2007: 5th (Allan Withington) (4)
2006: 9th (Allan Withington) (4)
2005: 12th (Allan Withington) (4)
2004: 9th (Frank Renton) (9)
2003: DNC
2002: 14th (James Gourlay) (10)
2001: 4th (Garry Cutt) (13)
2000: 3rd (Garry Cutt) (20)
1999: 18th (Andreas Sporri) (7)
1998: 4th (Major Peter Parkes) (17)
1997: 5th (Major Peter Parkes) (7)
1996: 7th (Major Peter Parkes) (20)
Open Record:
Just the four wins so far for Grimethorpe – but four memorable wins at that with a brace for the great George Thompson and one each for Geoffrey Brand and Frank Renton.
The last time they celebrated victory here though was in 1991, so a fifth win is long overdue. Finally got a decent draw last year, but still couldn’t claim victory after two narrow misses.
2011 Form:
Regionals: 4th (Yorkshire)
Player to listen out for:
James Fountain – A remarkable young man with a remarkable talent.
Hepworth
Conductor: Michael Bach
4BR Ranking: 16
Principal Players:
Principal Cornet: David Karran
Principal Euphonium: Sean Conway
Soprano: Paul Shafi
Solo Horn: Hannah Drage
Flugel: David Moore
Solo Trombone: Peter Moore
Baritone: Charmian Gott
Eb Tuba: Simon Mofatt
Bb Tuba: Mike Everett
Appearances: 7th time
Debut: 2005
Open Record:
No wins
6 Unplaced:
Last 15 Years:
Conductor and draw
2010: 15th (Brian Grant) (5)
2009: 11th (Ian Porthouse) (14)
2008: 9th (Ian Porthouse) (17)
2007: 8th (Mark Bentham) (13)
2006: 11th (Mark Bentham) (6)
2005: Winners of Grand Shield (Mark Bentham) (prom): 8th (Mark Bentham) (2)
Open Record:
Ever since winning the Grand Shield in 2005, Hepworth has delivered solid no nonsense performances but has fallen off the pace since their 8th place in 2007.
Michael Bach makes the trip from Switzerland for his debut appearance as the band looks to regain a top 10 place and secure their Open status for another year.
2011 Form:
Regionals: 2nd (Yorkshire)
Whit Friday: 4th in Saddleworth
Masters: 15th
English National: 5th
Player to listen out for:
Paul Shafi – He has been a real find for the band. Bold, energetic and brave – all the right qualities to make a name for himself on soprano.
Kirkintilloch
Conductor: Luc Vertommen
4BR Ranking: 15
Principal Players:
Principal Cornet: David Prentice
Principal Euphonium: Kevin van Giel
Soprano: Steve Stewart
Solo Trombone: Luke Williams
Solo Horn: Iain Flemming
Flugel: Andrea Casey
Baritone: Jim Corrigan
Eb Tuba: Ken Ferguson
Bb Tuba: Dave Trusdale
Appearances: 11th time
Debut: 2001
Open Record:
1 Fourth: 2004
1 Fifth: 2008
8 Unplaced
Last 15 Years
Conductor and draw
2010: 17th (Garry Cutt) (10) (rel): 2nd at Grand Shield (Garry Cutt) (prom)
2009: 9th (Selmer Simonsen) (2)
2008: 5th (Selmer Simonsen) (15)
2007: 18th (Nigel Boddice) (2)
2006: 7th (Steve Bastable) (2)
2005: 13th (Steve Bastable) (8)
2004: 4th (Steve Bastable) (16)
2003: 11th (Frank Renton) (16)
2002: 12th (Frank Renton) (6)
2001: Winners of Grand Shield (A. Ramsay) (prom): 16th (Allan Ramsey) (19)
1996 - 2000: DNC
Open Record:
Kirkintilloch had notched up an impressive record of achievement at the Open since they made their debuts in 2001, but a disastrous last place in 2010 saw them relegated back to the Grand Shield.
However, they have bounced straight back to make their 11th appearance in a row under the direction this year of debutant conductor Luc Vertommen.
2011 Form:
Regionals: 4th (Scotland)
West Lothian: Semi Final
Grand Shield: 2nd
Player to listen out for:
Steve Stewart – Soprano cornet extraordinaire. Nothing more to be said.
Leyland
Conductor: Jason Katsikaris
4BR Ranking: 11
Principal Players:
Principal Cornet: John Doyle
Principal Euphonium: Steve Walsh
Soprano: Matthew Balson
Solo Trombone: Daniel Brooks
Solo Horn: Rebecca Landon
Flugel: Nicky Longden
Baritone: Kristy Rowe
Eb Tuba: Chris Doran
Bb Tuba: Bill Carter
Appearances: 39th time
Debut: 1948
Open Record:
1 Win: 1994
3 Seconds: 1981, 1990, 1992
3 Thirds: 1989, 1991, 1996
4 Fourths: 1985, 1988, 2008, 2009
1 Fifth: 1993
2 Sixths: 1982, 1998
24 times unplaced
Last 15 Years:
Conductor and draw
2010: 12th (Philip Harper) (6)
2009: 4th (Jason Katsikaris) (13)
2008: Winners of Grand Shield (J. Katsikaris) (prom): 4th (Jason Katsikaris) (4)
2007: DNC
2006: DNC
2005: DNC
2004: DNC
2003: 14th (Peter Bassano) (5) (rel)
2002: 11th (Garry Cutt) (5)
2001: 9th (Brian Grant) (5)
2000: 10th (Howard Snell) (10)
1999: 8th (Richard Evans) (17)
1998: 6th (Richard Evans) (5)
1997: 8th (Richard Evans) (14)
1996: 3rd (Richard Evans) (13)
Open Record:
Leyland returned after five years in the Blackpool wilderness in 2008 and showed their quality in coming 4th two years in a row. They made their Open debut back in 1948 lasting to 1961, but returned in style (white jackets and all) after winning the Grand Shield in 1981 under Richard Evans.
Jason Katsikaris returns from Australia to spearhead their challenge this year.
2011 Form:
Regionals: 3rd (North West)
English Nationals:
Whit Friday: 3rd in Tameside
Player to listen out for:
Kristy Rowe – One of the very best baritone players in the banding world.
Reg Vardy
Conductor: Ray Farr
4BR Ranking: 12
Principal Players:
Principal Cornet: Tina Mortimer
Principal Euphonium: Liz Cook
Soprano: Tom Glendinning
Solo Horn: Steve Hardy
Flugel: Stephen King
Solo Trombone: Chris Bentham
Baritone: Laura Jackson
Eb Tuba: Jen McCausland
Bb Tuba: Colin Dixon
Appearances: 33rd time
Debut: 1966
Open Record:
No Wins:
No Seconds:
No Thirds:
1 Fourth: 1987
2 Fifths: 1977, 1982
No Sixths:
29 times unplaced
Last 15 Years:
Conductor and draw
2010: DNC
2009: DNC
2008: DNC
2007: 13th (Ray Farr) (6) (rel)
2006: 17th (Ray Farr) (7)
2005: 9th (Ray Farr) (17)
2004: 8th (Ray Farr) (19)
2003: 8th (Ray Farr) (4)
2002: 15th (Ray Farr) (11)
2001: 12th (Ray Farr) (11)
1996 - 2000: DNC
Open Record:
The band made its first appearance at the Open in 1966 as Craghead Colliery and changed their name to Ever Ready by the time of the 1969 contest.
They have been known as Reg Vardy since 2004 here and return after winning the Grand Shield for a second time. Ray Farr directs for an eighth time.
Player to listen out for:
Tina Mortimer on principal cornet is one heck of a player – a great section leader and soloist.
Rothwell Temperance
Conductor: David Roberts
4BR Ranking: 9
Principal Players:
Principal Cornet: James McCabe
Principal Euphonium: Andrew Marsh
Soprano: Paul Argyle
Solo Horn: Catherine Roberts
Flugel: Vikki Holland
Solo Trombone: Nick Walker
Baritone: Jack Telfer
Eb Tuba: Edward Hodkin
Bb Tuba: Ben Ridgeon
Appearances: 17th time
Debut: 1927
Open Record:
1 Fifth: 2005
2 Sixth: 1928, 2010
13 times unplaced
Last 15 Years:
Conductor and draw
2010: 6th (David Roberts) (9)
2009: Winners of Grand Shield (D. Roberts) (prom); 15th (D. Roberts) (11)
2008: 17th (Dave Roberts) (2) (rel)
2007: 9th (David Roberts) (1)
2006: 14th (David Roberts) (10)
2005: 5th (David Roberts) (12)
2004: 2nd at Grand Shield (D. Roberts) (prom): 15th (David Roberts) (14)
1996 - 2003: DNC
Open Record:
The 17th appearance at the British Open for Rothwell, with their first as long ago as 1927.
They returned to the contest in 2004 only to rather controversially be relegated in 2008. Won the Grand Shield in 2009 to return once more and banished any thoughts of relegation threats last eyar with a classy top six finish. David Roberts directs once more.
2011 Form:
Regionals: 6th (Yorkshire)
Whit Friday: 4th in Saddleworth
English Nationals: 7th
Player to listen out for:
Andrew March on euphonium provides Rothwell with all the quality required as both a section leader and soloist.
Tongwynlais Temperance
Conductor: Philip Harper
4BR Ranking: 26
Principal Players:
Principal Cornet: Jef Vermeiren
Principal Euphonium: Martyn Patterson
Soprano: Morgan James
Solo Trombone: Robin Hackett
Solo Horn: Alyn James
Flugel: David James
Baritone: Dave Osborne
Eb Tuba: Chris Eveson
Bb Tuba: Nick Wills
Appearances: 2nd time
Debut: 2010
Open Record:
1 time unplaced
Last 15 Years:
Conductor and draw
2010: 14th (Nigel Seaman) (4)
Open Record:
Tongwynalis made their debut last year under the direction of Nigel Seaman and ended in 14th place. They return this year under the command of Philip Harper.
2011 Form:
Regionals: 4th (Wales)
Welsh Open: 3rd
Yeovil: 5th
Masters: 8th
Player to listen out for:
Jef Vermeiren – The Belgian is a superb solo and sectional presence, and the leader of the new generation of top class players from his homeland making an impression on the banding world.
Tredegar
Conductor: Ian Porthouse
4BR Ranking: 4
Principal Players:
Principal Cornet: Dewi Griffiths
Principal Euphonium: Dave Taylor
Soprano: Lewis West
Solo Trombone: Steve Turton
Solo Horn: Chris Davies
Flugel: Danny Winder
Baritone: Geraint Chamberlain
Eb Tuba: Jacob Pritchard
Bb Tuba: Andy Russell
Appearances: 17th time
Debut: 1976
Open Record:
1 Win: 2010
1 Second: 1996
1 Sixth: 1997
13 times unplaced
Last 15 Years:
Conductor and draw
2010: Winners of Grand Shield (Ian Porthouse ) (prom); Winners (Ian Porthouse) (8)
2009: DNC
2008: DNC
2007: DNC
2006: DNC
2005: 18th (Thomas Wyss) (5) (rel)
2004: 19th (Russell Gray) (15)
2003: 9th (Russell Gray) (18)
2002: 8th (Steve Bastable) (18)
2001: 13th (Steve Bastable) (17)
2000: 8th (Steve Bastable) (12)
1999: 7th (James Scott) (20)
1998: 7th (James Scott) (11)
1997: 6th (James Scott) (3)
1996: 2nd (Nicholas Childs) (9)
Open Record:
A 17th appearance for Tredegar, after their 16th was a truly memorable one – becoming the first band to add the British Open title to the Grand Shield won earlier in the year.
They also came runner up at the Open itself in 1996, but were relegated in 2005.
2011 Form:
Regionals: 3rd (Wales)
Welsh Open: Winners
Masters: Winners
European Championship: 3rd
National Eisteddfod of Wales: Winners
Player to listen out for:
Danny Winder – The flugel player has become a real focal point of solo excellence within the ranks.
Virtuosi GUS
Conductor: John Berryman
4BR Ranking: 17
Principal Players:
Principal Cornet: Peter Collins
Principal Euphonium: Mark Giles
Soprano: Martin Britt
Solo Horn: Nathan Waterman
Flugel: Gary Wyatt
Solo Trombone: Chris Jeans
Baritone: Jo Stephenson
Eb Tuba: Linda Hobbs
Bb Tuba: Mike Smith
Appearances: 40th time
Debut: 1934
Open Record:
2 Wins: 1954, 1988
1 Second: 1980
5 Thirds: 1946, 1952, 1974, 1982, 1986
2 Fourths: 1983, 1995
3 Fifths: 1948, 1949, 1964
3 Sixths: 1950, 1953, 1969
23 times unplaced
Last 15 Years:
Conductor and draw
2010: 13th (John Berryman) (14)
2009: 2nd at Grand Shield (J. Berryman) (prom): 14th (John Berryman) (15)
2008: DNC
2007: DNC
2006: DNC
2005: DNC
2004: DNC
2003: 15th (Major Peter Parkes) (1) (rel)
2002: 17th (Brian Grant) (15)
2001: 10th (Frank Renton) (1)
2000: 7th (Melvin White) (6)
1999: 10th (Melvin White) (23)
1998: 21st (Melvin White) (1)
1997: 17th (John Berryman) (12)
Open Record:
The Virtuosi GUS Band has had many a name in their history at this contest since making their debut in 1934.
They have won twice – famously off the number 1 spot under Stanley Boddington in 1954 as Munn & Felton, and then as Rigid Containers under Bram Tovey in 1988.
They returned to the contest after a six year absence in 2009. John Berryman takes the helm once more.
2011 Form:
Regionals: Winners (Midlands)
Butlins Mineworkers: 3rd
Masters: 2nd
Player to listen out for:
Gary Wyatt – You won’t hear many flugel players better than this man.
